In 2022, the number of trips abroad made by Latvian residents approached the time before the pandemic

The data of the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB) show that in 2022 Latvian residents went on 1.7 million same-day and overnight trips abroad, which is 2.7 times more than a year ago, however, compared to 2019 before the pandemic, the number of these trips has reduced by 27.5 %.

Same-day trips

Last year, Latvian residents went on 425.8 thousand same-day trips abroad, 3.6 times more than in 2021, but 52.9 % less than before the pandemic in 2019. Expenditure of same-day trips increased 3.3 times, reaching EUR 34.2 million. In their overnight trips most often Latvian residents went to Lithuania (57.7 %) and Estonia (33.8 %). The average expenditure per a same-day trip decreased by EUR 7.8, reaching EUR 80.4.

Overnight trips

Last year, residents went on 1.3 thousand overnight trips abroad, 2.5 times more than a year ago, but 11.9 % less than before the pandemic in 2019.

Most popular destinations of overnight trips abroad in 2022 were neighbouring countries Estonia (18.1 %) and Lithuania (11.8 %), followed by Italy (7.4 %) and Spain (6.2 %). In addition, Latvian residents often travelled to the United Kingdom (4.4 %), Poland (4.3 %), Belarus (3.7 %) and Turkey (3.3 %).

Last year, residents spent 7.5 million nights abroad, 1.6 times more than a year ago, but 16.0 % less than before the pandemic in 2019. On average travellers spent 5.8 nights during the trip, 3.3 nights less than in 2021, when travel safety regulations caused by the pandemic affected the overall duration of trips. Average length of stay in rented accommodation was 5 nights (drop of 2.5 nights), but in non-rented accommodation – 8.1 nights (fall of 5.4 nights).

Last year, 23.9 % of trips were spent in non-rented accommodation (dwelling of relatives or friends, summer cottages, etc.), while 76.1 % of trips required to book an accommodation. In 81.4 % of trips accommodation was booked at tour operators or travel agents, including on collaborative economy platforms (e.g., Booking.com, AirBnB, Expedia, etc.), but 18,6 % of trips – at the accommodation provider. Out of all reservations needed 75.8 % were made using automatic online booking systems or digital platforms.

Expenditure of overnight trips abroad, compared to 2021, increased 2.2 times and reached EUR 747.2 million, exceeding expenditure that was before the pandemic in 2019 by 0.7 %. Most of the money was spent on transport (33.8 %), accommodation (33.4 %), catering services (14.3 %), entertainment and cultural activities (6.6 %) and other expenses (11.9 %). Average expenditure per a trip comprised EUR 573.3, which is EUR 100.7 less than in 2021. The average daily expenditure last year comprised EUR 99.7, which is EUR 25.2 more than a year ago.

Mostly residents went on overnight trips abroad by flight (55 %). Compared to 2012, use of flights has increased by 19.2 percentage points. Using a passenger car remains second most popular choice, with the only exception being in 2020, when, due to pandemic restrictions, they overtook flights by 9.8 %. Buses are being used increasingly less for trips abroad; in 2022 they comprised only 6.2 % of all trips. Compared to 2012, share of using buses has decreased by 11.5 percentage points.

Last year, 38.1 % of trips were made by private transport, while in 61.9 % of trips it was necessary to make a transport reservation. 60 % of them were made at a transport service provider, for example at the specific airline, and 40 % – using services of tour operators or travel agents. Out of all reservations needed 77 % were made using automatic online booking systems or digital platforms.

Mostly women (56.7 %), residents aged 35-44 years (25.8 %), residents with higher education (57.6 %) and employed (77.2 %) went on overnight tourism trips abroad.

Data on trips of resident travellers in Latvia in 2022 will be published on June 7. More information on tourism statistics is available on the Official statistics website section Tourism. Data are published in the database section Resident travellers.

Media requests:
Communication Section
E-mail: media@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 27880666

More information on the data:
Ilze Timermane
Transport and Tourism Statistics Section
E-mail: Ilze.Timermane@csp.gov.lv
Phone: +371 67366740